You will soon be seeing a lot of art sculptures across Chatham-Kent despite concerns over the last one to be unveiled and subsequently removed.
Over the next year, 14 pieces of art are set to be installed in different communities across the municipality promoting the region in a unique and fun way. However, municipal officials said going forward they will discuss each design with different community groups beforehand after several people raised issues with a 13-foot "Russell the Crow" sculpture.
Mayor Darrin Canniff told CK Mornings with Chris, Allanah & Matt on 94.3 CKSY that the municipality received complaints about the art’s design and location in Zonta Park. Canniff said he made the decision to remove the statue after having some discussions with local municipal councillors.
“The purpose of this art and all the other ones we’re putting in in the next year is not to antagonize but to enjoy. What we learned is that we need to expand who we talk to about locations and just what it is,” Canniff said.
The $15,000 crow sculpture was designed and fashioned by Bothwell artist Mike Winia. It has since been given back to him.
Canniff noted Winia can choose to display it along with his other work, but if he sells it, then all the proceeds would be given back to the municipality. The project was funded through the municipality’s Hydro One Fund and Councillor Ward Fund.
Moving forward, Canniff is hoping everyone will turn their interest from the crow sculpture to the new ones set to be installed.
“I wish that I could say that 100 per cent of everything we do succeeds, but the reality is that is not going to happen,” he added.
There’s currently no timeline for when the 14 new art pieces will be unveiled.